The State of Louisiana
mandates that the University establish and adhere to a water vessel
safety program. These requirements can be found in R.S.39:1543.1,
state regulations concerning the safety of water
vessels. The
program applies to anyone operating a water vessel that is owned,
leased, or rented by the University. For more details on the
program see the official University policy below.

Part of the University's
water vessel safety policy requires operator's to attend a boating
safety course offered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries or an approved equivalent course. The required LDWF
Course is offered regularly in the Monroe area and throughout the
state. The same course is also available online. Remember
that previously certified operators must attend this course at least
once every three years.

All University water
vessel operators must report any accidents to the Louisiana Department
of Wildlife and Fisheries and the EHS department. A water vessel
accident can include, but is not limited to, capsizing, collision with
another vessel, flooding, fire, explosion, and disappearance of the
vessel other than by theft. All accidents should be reported to
the EHS office as soon as practicable but no later than 24 hours after
the accident. Water vessel accidents that result in death or
injury to anyone must be reported to the LDWF within 48 hours.
Accidents involving property damage in excess of $500.00 should be
reported to LDWF within five days. All water vessel accidents
should be reported using the water vessel accident report form. A
copy of this form shall be included on board each boat maintained by
the University.